The pandemic accelerated the widespread adoption of remote work, but returning to pre-Covid norms of being fully office-based all the time no longer seems viable either.
Over the past year, many large employers have settled on a hybrid model as the best path forward.
According to new policies from tech giants like Google and Microsoft, as well as consulting firms IBM, EY, and McKinsey, most companies now aim to have employees split their time between working remotely and coming into physical offices or client sites.
They recognize that employees value flexibility, but that in-person interaction remains important for activities like team building, coaching/mentoring, ideation sessions, and complex problem-solving projects.
The specifics vary, but many employers ask staff to be on-site two to three days per week. Some cite internal data showing hybrid models may optimize outcomes around the 40-60% range for time spent collaborating face-to-face. Products measured include metrics like productivity, employee well-being, retention rates, and client feedback.
Being able to cater policies to different job functions and team needs is also a priority, as a one-size-fits-all approach will not work for all companies or roles. Consulting, for example, requires more on-site client time. Overall, companies continue refining their strategies through testing and employee surveys.
While the pandemic blurred the lines between work and home life, fully remote arrangements seem to be losing favor compared to balanced hybrid policies. For most major employers, the emerging standard is a flexible approach balancing office collaboration with the autonomy of remote work.
This “new normal,” hybrid appears poised to become the dominant structure for many white-collar jobs.
Learn more about how to implement your hybrid office: Offision – your all-in-one smart office platform